Business Council’s carbon model ‘totally irresponsible’
Date: 21-Aug-2008
If the Federal Government adopted the Business Council of Australia’s model for emissions trading, Australia’s carbon pollution reduction scheme would fail its key test – effectively tackling climate change and protecting future generations.
The Australian Conservation Foundation said the BCA proposal that Government give away carbon pollution permits above the national cap would seriously undermine Australia’s international credibility on climate change.
“The emissions trading scheme must do what’s right for the climate and for all Australians, not what’s good for a few big polluters seeking a golden handshake,” said ACF executive director Don Henry.
“Why should big wealthy polluters be let off the hook, leaving average Australians to bear the burden? Polluting industries that have spent the last decade doing little or nothing to prepare for a carbon-constrained economy should not get a free kick.
“The Business Council’s proposal is totally irresponsible and would produce a complicated, weak scheme, full of exemptions and loopholes.
“If Australia’s trading scheme is not robust and comprehensive, the financial burden will unfairly fall on small businesses, the most vulnerable and rural Australians.
“Without a firm limit on greenhouse gas emissions the trading scheme simply will not do what it is intended to and will harm Australia’s credibility on the international stage.
“It is critical the current debate around the economic impact of emissions trading is informed by facts and robust analysis, not exaggeration and scare tactics,” Mr Henry said.
CSIRO modelling shows Australia’s economy will still double in size by 2030 and triple by 2050 if the country takes effective action on climate change.
“It’s time to focus on what is best for the nation, the environment and the economy as a whole. That means establishing a strong scheme that levels the pollution playing field, cuts emissions and gives strong incentives to invest in renewable energy.”